VIVACIOUS VIRGULE

The house of Roger Vivier celebrates the 60th anniversary of the enigmatic Virgule heel- one of Vivier's most inventively feminine concepts.

- KIRAN PILLAY

A masterful inventor, Monsieur Roger Vivier studied the complex art of sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Devoted to refining his vision of femininity, the French designer took fashion to new heights by creating the stiletto in 1954. He was the first to develop a slim yet sturdy heel using a thin metal rod. Although stilettos may have evolved past their roots in Vivier's prolific portfolio, the Virgule heel remains emblematic of his profound fondness for the ultrafeminine.

First introduced in 1963, the playful Virgule heel is French for "comma", with the shape of the heel closely resembling the punctuation mark. With a sweeping curve that rolls inwards beneath the foot, the Virgule represented a distinct vision of modernity and a milestone in 20th-century shoe design. The avant-garde expression marked a new chapter for Vivier as he parted ways with Christian Dior to launch his eponymous label at 24 rue François ler in Paris, France.